Here's another side of the couch potato argument (January 12): there are thousands of people of all ages, and many children, who are not nearly as active as they wish to be.

People who, through unavoidable illness, tragic accidents or genetic disorders, are glad of the help of the surgeons, doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, other skilled therapists and carers who devote their working lives to restoring and maintaining mobility.

These professionals devise imaginative, individually-tailored programmes of exercise and strategies to strengthen body and mind and at the same time lift spirits.

Margaret Lawson,

The Groves,

York.

Updated: 09:26 Thursday, January 20, 2005